Rep. Vern Buchanan, Florida GOP Rep., wants to eliminate federal taxes on police overtime.
“Every day, law enforcement officers across America would wear badges and head to work without knowing what the day would bring,” Buchanan said. “They missed holidays, birthdays, school events, and they’re all serving their community.”
Buchanan is supported by local and national law enforcement agencies, including the National Brothers of Holmes Beach and Chief William Tokager in Manatee County.
Chief Tokager says the idea of ending taxes on police officers’ overtime payments is welcome news.
“In doing so, executives will give more takeaway salaries, provide meaningful support to their families, and send a clear message that they value the men and women who keep us safe. Many executives rely on overtime to cover basic expenses like groceries, childcare, housing, and more.
Chief Tokager also said increasing funding for law enforcement will improve two of the most pressing challenges facing law enforcement today: retention and recruitment.
Police departments dealing with the shortage of countries where executives leave their professions, reduced rankings and low morale, say lawmakers and chiefs are the perfect timing.
“Since 2020, attacks on law enforcement, efforts to pay back the sector and lack of political support in many cities have been tortured the profession,” Prime Minister Tokaja said.
“We ask a lot of law enforcement officers, and now is the time to give them something meaningful,” the lawmaker said.
Rep. Buchanan believes Democrats can support measures to cross the aisle and end police officers’ overtime taxes.
This is not a partisan issue,” Buchanan said.
